HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-10 - City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes City of Tamarac
City Commission Minutes
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gomez called the Wednesday, June 10, 2020, Virtual City Commission meeting to order
at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Gomez, Vice Mayor Bolton, Commissioner Fishman, Commissioner Placko and
Commissioner Gelin were all present.
Also present were City Manager Michael Cernech, City Attorney Sam Goren, and City Clerk
Jennifer Johnson.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Bolton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. PROCEDURES FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS
City Attorney Goren reviewed the procedures previously adopted for all commission meetings
conducted using communications media technology ("CMT"), and in accordance with Governor
DeSantis' Executive Orders 20-51, 20-52, 20-69 and 20-112, and that each action taken this
evening would require a voice vote.
2. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Caribbean Heritage Month - Requested by Vice Mayor Bolton
Mayor Gomez read the Caribbean Heritage Month Proclamation for the record and stated it
would be delivered to appropriate individual following the meeting.
3. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS
a. Vice Mayor Bolton
Vice Mayor Bolton stated, in light of the issues of racism and discrimination we have been
faced with in our community and nation and the recent murder of George Floyd, Bolton took
30 seconds for a moment of silence. Following the moment of silence, Vice Mayor Bolton
read an open letter to the City Commission, which is on file in the City Clerk's Office.
Following his open letter, Bolton stated he hoped we could have a candid conversation
about racism and discrimination in our community and on the dais. [A conversation on the
dais] In a unified way, because we know the struggles and stress that I was put under by
statements by his colleagues that put out statements support George Floyd and the
protestors.
b. Commissioner Gelin
Commissioner Gelin provided a presentation which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. At the
conclusion of his presentation, Gelin stated he looks forward to further discussion with his
colleagues on the subject matter.
c. Commissioner Fishman
Commissioner Fishman stated she made a public statement on the issue of the George
Floyd killing. One of the things I put in that statement were two statistics that are very telling.
This first is Black Americans are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police officers than
white Americans. The other is Black Americans count for less than 13% of the population,
but they are shot and killed by police at a rate that is over twice as high for white Americans.
I am happy to send anybody my newsletter, statement, on this killing. I also want to take a
moment to talk about a woman who passed yesterday. Senator Gwen Margolis served in for
42 years in Florida. First in the House of Representatives, from 1974— 1992. She was the
first woman Senate President and in the nation in 1990. Think about that. We did not have a
woman president in the Senate till 1990. She also served on the Miami-Dade County
Commission, and the first woman to Chair that Commission. She went on to serve two-more
terms in the Florida Senate, from 2002 —2008. Once more in 2010 —2016. She served 42
years for the people of her district and the state of Florida. She was the Senate President
when the Sunshine Act was put in place. She was a mentor, role model, fighter, and a
leader. She was a woman before her time, and she will be sorely missed.
d. Commissioner Placko
Commissioner Placko stated, watching all this on TV has left me at a loss. The hatred. No
one's life should come to an end the way George Floyd's did. I have spent a good portion of
the last week, listening. It was important to listen to people's thoughts. From everyone I
have heard from, everyone is angry. I think now, we need to come together as a group to
listen, talk and unify again. Trust has to be built. It's not there and we all know that.
Everyone tonight has had excellent points, and Commissioner Gelin has put together a
tremendous presentation with a lot of information. We all need to take a step back, and the
discussion needs to start. We have to start talking the talk and walking the walk. I believe all
of us will be in agreement this cannot continue. In 2020, I cannot believe this is still going
on. It's on us to do something about it, and truly believe, the five of us working together can
make a difference. I am committed to that, and we are going to have to start listening to our
residents. Maybe that is putting a group of residents together, but let's start the dialogue.
The time has come. This is the vital issue, and I think it is time we deal with it.
e. Mayor Gomez
Mayor Gomez stated she can't have herself thrown under a bus full of lies and get back on
the path of working together. That was the promise made by all the Commission in 2018. All
of us made a commitment to stop with certain politics and politricks. I'm not going to go
through all of the spun tales, and lies, or convenient memories. I didn't call the cops twice on
then Commissioner Bolton. I did speak to an office that day, when five days after the
shooting at the Pittsburg temple. I am talking in a very crowded line, to a woman during
Early Voting, and the commissioner screams you can't vote for her she is a white Jewish
woman. Yes, I was pissed. Thankfully, the Rabbi had just gone inside. So, I wanted to know
if that was considered hate speech because I did not think that was an appropriate thing to
be said at early voting or anytime. So, I was pissed about that, and I asked an officer. That
was it. There was another time an officer came around, but it had nothing to do with the
Commissioner or anyone else. As for the continued comments about the Deluca Rolle
incident. When our Sheriff was here, he clearly stated 2 of the 3 people were already
removed from office. The third being called for, was being handled. My comments were not
that it shouldn't be done, but out of respect for BSO and their agency, they hadn't finished
doing what they needed to do. Just as our Commission would not expect anyone coming
into our City Hall and telling the Commission what to do under the City's rule. So, it wasn't to
defend the officers or against Mr. Rolle. There were quite a few other things said this
evening, that I am just going to let go. In my opinion, it is the right thing to do. I spent my last
couple of weeks, and I have been vocal about. As most people know, I am not the most
social media person out there, but I am working on my social media. I have met with
residents; I have had my say on social media. I attended the peaceful protest in Coral
Springs and thought it was handled extremely well. I have been on Zoom calls with Mayor
Scott Brook, and residents of Coral Springs and Tamarac, talking about racial issues. I was
on a call last night with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, NY, and Congressman Ted Deutch,
FL, along with 653 other individuals, from several other Jewish community relations councils
in Florida regarding racism, justice, and equality in America. I have been on various calls
and signed up for other racial equity training sessions. Making sure that as a person who is
supposed to lead a City with four other colleagues that we do this in unison. As far as some
of my other comments regarding this subject, I asked for a discussion for community
involved solidarity efforts against racial injustice. I am a little bit upset, so we will continue
that conversation. My other items, my feelings, and thoughts on the matter, and where I
would hope as a commission for a wonderful City would go. I have often spent time with
food distributions, for the people of our city and other cities.
4. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
City Attorney Goren mentioned the Governor's Executive Order 20-69, authorizing a virtual
quorum is due to expire, and asked the Commission provide guidance if they would like to sign
on to a letter to the Governor requesting that he respectfully consider extending Executive Order
20-69 beyond June 30, 2020.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to Direct the City Attorney's Office to sign on to a letter
requesting the extension of virtual meetings through the end of summer. Vice Mayor Bolton
seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote, and the motion carried unanimously 5-0.
City Attorney Goren also provided additional information about four items coming before the
County Commission Tuesday that will have an effect on municipalities. Should you have any
interests engaging your County Commission on the matters, we would be happy to help you
with any questions you may have. Commissioner Fishman stated she was appalled by the items
and they go directly in the face of Home Rule.
5. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Michael Cernech stated, the City of Tamarac is continuing testing for COVID-19
through the end of July at the Tamarac Recreation Center, located at 7501 N. University Drive,
Tuesday—Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This site has a limited capacity for daily testing and
once it is reached, it will close for the day. As a reminder, please wear a mask and show ID.
Appointments are not being accepted at this time.
The Korean United Methodist Church located at 6501 W. Commercial Blvd. will be holding
distribution events on July 11, 18 and 25 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. while supplies last.
Food distribution will also take place at the Christian Life Center at 2699 W. Commercial Blvd.
and will be held on 7/9, 7/15 and 7/20 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
To help our residents who are expecting financial challenges during the pandemic, the City
extended its suspension of water service shutoffs through August 31, 2020.
In Public Services, the City of Tamarac hosted a Household Hazardous Waste/E-Waste
Recycling Event on Saturday, June 27, 2020. The event had 442 individuals drop off Household
Hazardous Waste and used electronics for recycling, safe disposal. There was a 25% increase
in participation compared to our last three events, where we had an average of 350 individuals
on each event. Thank you to the PIO for helping spread the word.
This program helps divert potentially dangerous materials from the solid waste stream and helps
prevent the material from entering our canals and stormwater system.
6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Gomez opened for public participation and read instructions describing the public's
access during a virtual meeting.
Mayor Gomez asked the City Clerk if there were any comments submitted via email. Clerk
Johnson read the following comments.
1) Phinneas Bluster, by email, Mike, Please watch the videos below. Hopefully you'll
find them very enlightening and perhaps you'll use them as a template for guiding
your decisions in the future. People like Larry Elder, Officer Tatum, Candace Owens
and ABL are the future of blacks in America while you continue to live in the
past. Looking forward to an intelligent reply other than you were wrongfully once
arrested by a policeman who happen to be white. I too was wrongfully arrested by a
policeman not because of my skin color, but because my hair was long. I moved on
from that a long time ago and I hold no grudge against the police. Without them this
country would go up in flames. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.
https://youtu.be/geCXWvKZdlk, https://youtu.be/oTOkw7cM6KU,
https://wvvvv.voutube.com/channel/UCZmkvHLQu761YbW1w9FoGzQ
2) Francesca Bella, by email, new rules.
3) Ariel DuVerney Gattison, from Facebook, To. Commissioners G and B Thank you
for showing our truth (Blacks/African-Americans) here in America. There are two
justice systems.
4) Valerie S Stanton, from Facebook, Powerful presentations...we must hold the unions
accountable for police behavior and we must remember that there are many good
police officers also...more than there are bad!
5) Ariel DuVerney Gattison, from Facebook, Mayor...you should have "at least"
acknowledged the matter at hand in regards to George Floyd. Being angry is one
thing but you are the leader of our city and I believe some type of recognition should
have been given.
6) Cathy Bivens, from Facebook, I would like to hear Vice Mayor Bolton respond to the
Mayor's claims, because I don't believe her. The Mayor knocked on my door and told
me she is a Democrat, I later found out she is a Republican. I notice she lies a lot.
Vice Mayor Bolton. We thank you for your open letter, can you respond to the
Mayor's comment?
7) Noemii Perez, from Facebook, I have a business in Tamarac, I would like to know
WHY the annual fire inspection went up from $50.00 to $150.00?
8) Ariel DuVerney Gattison, from Fracebook, I have been mulling over the Mayor's
statement in regards to calling/speaking to BSO about alleged words stated by
Commissioner Marlon Bolton..being deemed as a possible threat...but our Mayor is
an attorney...how come she did not look up the FL Criminal Law herself or ask a
fellow Esquire....(looking forward to this all being addressed properly).
9) Michael DiGregio, of 8122 Prestige Commons Drive, Tamarac joined by phone, and
expressed his concern watching the news, and future changes with police forces. He
asked what the status of the barrier walls at Prestige Commons is, and will our taxes
go up after the wall is constructed. Spring Lake, the community behind us, has still
not fixed their wall following Hurricane Irma, and we would like to know when it will
be repaired. Mayor Gomez stated his questions would be addressed offline by
Commissioner Fishman.
10)Marla Garris, of 8312 NW 57th Place attempted to join by phone but was
unavailable.
Mayor Gomez asked Clerk Johnson to reach out to Ms. Garris after the meeting to
determine her comments.
Mayor Gomez closed public comment.
Mayor Gomez recognized Vice Mayor Bolton. Vice Mayor Bolton responded to the
Facebook comments and discussion between Mayor Gomez and Vice Mayor Bolton
ensued.
Mayor Gomez recessed at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
a. TR13440 — Lenovo Laptop Purchase
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving the
purchase of sixty (60) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 laptop computers for a total cost
of 495,460; authorizing the appropriate City officials to execute all necessary documents
to effectuate the intent of this resolution; providing for conflicts; providing for severability;
and providing for an effective date.
Commission District (s): Citywide
b. TR13441 —Authorizing a Four-Week Hiatus for Mayor& City Commission
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing a four-
week consecutive period (July 12, 2020 —August 9, 2020) during which time the City
Commission will not schedule any regular meetings pursuant to Section 4.06(A) of the
City Charter; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an
effective date.
Commission District (s): Citywide
c. TR13442 —Authorization to Submit Grant Application in the amount of$300,000 to
the Florida Div. of Cultural Affairs Facilities Program and authorizing an amount of
$600,000 as the City's required matching funds
A Resolution of the City of Tamarac authorizing the submission of a grant application to
the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Facilities Program requesting $300,000 for the
Sunset Hammock project and further authorizing an amount of$600,000 as the City's
required matching funds; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing
for an effective date.
Commission District (s): District 2
Citywide
d. TR13444— Backup Storage Replacement
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, approving the
acquisition and installation of a Dell EMC storage solution from Dell; utilizing State of
Florida contract number 43211500-WSCA-15-ACS; authorizing an expenditure for an
amount not to exceed $64,708.21; providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and
providing for an effective date.
Mayor Gomez asked the City Manager if there are any additions or deletions.
City Manager Cernech stated there were no additions or deletions but asked f a member of
the Commission would pull TR13441 "Authorizing a Four-Week Hiatus", to modify the date
range of the four-weeks to July 19, 2020 —Aug. 16, 2020.
Vice Mayor Bolton requested TR13441 —Authorizing a Four-Week Hiatus for Mayor & City
Commission be pulled from the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda as
amended.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as modified. Commissioner
Fishman seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve
carried unanimously 4-0. Commissioner Gelin was away and did not vote.
City Attorney Goren read TR13441 title for the record. A Resolution of the City Commission
of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing a four-week consecutive period (July 12, 2020—
August 9, 2020) during which time the City Commission will not schedule any regular
meetings pursuant to Section 4.06(A) of the City Charter; providing for conflicts; providing for
severability; and providing for an effective date.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to the dates of the hiatus, what is referenced
in the Charter, if it was required, Commissioners being paid during the hiatus, and other
potential dates for a hiatus.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to amend the date of our[their] vacation from July 19, 2020 —
Aug. 16, 2020 to Nov. 11, 2020 — Dec. 9, 2020. There was not a second, and no action by
the Commission.
8. REGULAR AGENDA
a. TR13438 —Capital Improvement Refunding Revenue Note, Series 2020 (Taxable)
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, authorizing the
issuance of its Capital Improvement Refunding Revenue Note, Series 2020 (Taxable), in
the principal amount of$16,620,000 at any one time, to refinance all of its outstanding
Capital Improvement Refunding Revenue Note, Series 2017 (Taxable); making certain
findings of paramount public purpose; providing that the Series 2020 Note shall be a
limited obligation of the city payable from legally available Non-Ad Valorem Revenues
budgeted, appropriated and deposited as provided herein; providing for the rights,
securities and remedies for the owner of the Series 2020 Note; making certain
covenants and agreements in connection therewith; and providing for severability and an
effective date.
Commission District(s): Citywide
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion and a second.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to approve. Commissioner Fishman seconded.
City Manager Cernech introduced Interim Finance Director Christine Cajuste. Cajuste
introduced Duane Draper of Bryant Miller Olive P.A., and Jeff Larson of Larson Consulting
Services, LLC. Larson provided a presentation relative to the details of the refinancing. The
presentation is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Cajuste then provided details related to
closing date, costs, and total savings.
City Clerk confirmed there were no comments submitted from the public.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to total savings as a result of the refinance.
Following discussion, Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion to approve
TR13438 carried unanimously 5-0.
b. TR13426 — Denouncing White Supremacy
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Tamarac, Florida, condemning and
denouncing white supremacy, bias and hate in all of its forms; committing to ensuring
civil and human rights are afforded to all individuals in the City of Tamarac; and
reaffirming Tamarac's commitment to peace, respect, inclusivity, and equity for all;
providing for conflicts; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
Commission District(s): Citywide
City Attorney Goren read the title for the record, stating this resolution was deferred from the
previous meeting.
Mayor Gomez called for a motion and a second.
Commissioner Gelin motioned to approve. Commissioner Fishman seconded.
City Clerk confirmed there were no comments submitted from the public.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to the version submitted by Commissioner
Fishman, the differences and support for one or the other.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to amend the approval to include the two provisions
added from her submission in the resolution. The motion did not receive a second.
Vice Mayor Bolton amended the motion to table the conversation for six months.
Commissioner Placko seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion
carried 4-1 with Commissioner Gelin dissenting.
9. ORDINANCES — FIRST READING
None.
10. PUBLIC HEARING
None
11. ORDINANCES —SECOND READING
None
12. QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING(S)
None.
13. OTHER
a. Protected Hairstyles
Discussion requested by Commissioner Fishman related to changing the definition of
protected hairstyles in the City of Tamarac's Personnel Manual.
Commissioner Fishman provided a presentation related to the topic, that is on file in the City
Clerk's Office. Fishman added additional information related a human rights section in our
code, the proper use of pronouns, political affiliation the definition of race, etc. and
provisions requiring our contractors to abide by any provisions we would have codified.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to ask the City Attorney to provide language to include in
the Human Resources Manual for protected hair texture, hair style as a protected part of
race. The motion failed for the lack of a second.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned for the topic be brought back to a workshop when we are in
person for meetings. The motion failed for the lack of a second.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 9:46 p.m. and reconvened at 10 p.m.
b. Discussion of community-involved solidarity efforts against racial injustice
requested by Mayor Michelle J. Gomez.
Discussion of community-involved solidarity efforts against racial injustice requested by
Mayor Michelle J. Gomez.
Mayor Gomez provided background information related to the item.
Mayor Gomez asked that the Commission be unified as one with confirmation that we will
commit to continue to improve racial equity in our City, using the guidelines provided as well
as a letter to the City, through the City Manager, reiterating our commitment to this to our
City. Also, a moment of silence to reflect about the pain, and individually commit to advance
racial equity and justice. Making this world a better place for everyone to live.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with regard to evaluating BSO contracts, include
certain language in the contract regarding the unions, best policies, practices and
procedures in the contract, hiring a police consultant, establishing our own police
department, convening a Public Safety Council, resident recommendations in the BSO
contract, community policing, hiring practices, the issue not being an either or, and coming
together as a group to effect change, etc.
City Attorney Goren clarified a fact-finding group is not a Sunshine entity, but if this group as
described by members of the Commission, that would make recommendations and is a
committee of the Commission, it would be subject to Sunshine. The Commission would have
to direct the City Attorney's Office to draft an ordinance creating a Public Safety Committee.
City Manager Cernech stated he could determine a budget and necessary staff support to
effectuate the change the Commission is asking for.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to direct the City Attorney to create a Public Safety Committee,
and comeback with all the rules, responsibilities, and tool kit for moving forward.
Commissioner Fishman seconded. City Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and motion
carried unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Gomez asked for a unified Commission against racial inequality and move forward
with justice together. Discussion by the Commission ensued related to respecting one
another on and off the dais, not being able to approve a Denouncing White Supremacy
resolution, etc.
c. Discussion and direction related to guidelines for a new COVID-19 Resident
Assistance Program funded by the General Fund
City Manager Cemech introduced Community Development Director Maxine Calloway.
Calloway provided a presentation related to the item, which is on file in the City Clerk's
Office.
Discussion by the Commission ensued related to having a start and stop date, publicizing
the program, capturing social media hits on the program, who gets priority to the funding
and if you already applied under SHIP, maximum household income being 80% AMI
[average median income], potentially increasing the maximum to 140% AMI, average
income of applicants so far, using current income as a result of COVID-19, ability to drop off
applications in person, etc.
City Attorney Goren provided remarks about the program and moving forward.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned to embrace the guidelines for a new COVID-19 resident
assistance program, funded by the general fund, and there is a municipal and public
purpose consistent with Chapter 166, spending public dollars, implement the program
consistent with the presentation by Ms. Calloway moving forward, and making sure the
application window to be accepted be one week online and in person at City Hall.
Commissioner Fishman seconded. Clerk Johnson conducted a roll call vote and the motion
carried unanimously 5-0.
Mayor Gomez reported the BSO contract is already in everyone's email mailbox. Mayor
Gomez stated Commissioner Gelin requested all elected official state Black Lives Matter.
Vice Mayor Bolton, Commissioner Gelin, Commissioner Fishman, Commissioner Placko,
Mayor Gomez, City Manager Cemech and City Attorney Goren stated Black Lives Matter.
Finally, Gomez added she had signed Barack Obama's Pledge.
There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Gomez adjourned the meeting at 11:22 p.m.
J nnifer hnson MC
City Cle
Mi elle J. Gom ayor
None.
13. OTHER
a. Protected Hairstyles
Discussion requested by Commissioner Fishman related to changing the definition of
protected hairstyles in the City of Tamarac's Personnel Manual.
Commissioner Fishman provided a presentation related to the topic, that is on file in the City
Clerk's Office. Fishman added additional information related a human rights section in our
code, the proper use of pronouns, political affiliation the definition of race, etc. and
provisions requiring our contractors to abide by any provisions we would have codified.
Commissioner Fishman motioned to ask the City Attorney to provide language to include in
the Human Resources Manual for protected hair texture, hair style as a protected part of
race. The motion failed for the lack of a second.
Vice Mayor Bolton motioned for the topic be brought back to a workshop when we are in
person for meetings. The motion failed for the lack of a second.
Mayor Gomez recessed the meeting at 9:46 p.m. and reconvened at 10 p.m.
b. Discussion of community-involved solidarity efforts against racial injustice
requested by Mayor Michelle J. Gomez.
Discussion of community-involved solidarity efforts against racial injustice requested by
Mayor Michelle J. Gomez.
Mayor Gomez provided background information related to the item.
Mayor Gomez asked that the Commission be unified as one with confirmation that we will
commit to continue to improve racial equity in our City, using the guidelines provided as well
as a letter to the City, through the City Manager, reiterating our commitment to this to our
City. Also, a moment of silence to reflect about the pain, and individually commit to advance
racial equity and justice. Making this world a better place for everyone to live.
Discussion by the Commission ensued with regard to evaluating BSO contracts, include
certain language in the contract regarding the unions, best policies, practices and
procedures in the contract, hiring a police consultant, establishing our own police
department, convening a Public Safety Council, resident recommendations in the BSO
contract, community policing, hiring practices, the issue not being an either or, and coming
together as a group to effect change, etc.
City Attorney Goren clarified a fact-finding group is not a Sunshine entity, but if this group as
described by members of the Commission, that would make recommendations and is a
committee of the Commission, it would be subject to Sunshine. The Commission would have
to direct the City Attorney's Office to draft an ordinance creating a Public Safety Committee.
City Manager Cernech stated he could determine a budget and necessary staff support to
effectuate the change the Commission is asking for.